Lisa and I did our July grocery shopping this past Wednesday and we couldn’t have picked a better day weather-wise. We had a few sprinkles early in the day but otherwise it was just cloudy and in the low-mid 60s. No, I’m not kidding – SIXTIES! – in July! I don’t know what has gotten into Oklahoma (well, other than the polar vortex) but our weather has been more like April or October this past week. We’ll be back into more seasonal temps in the 90s this week but it was sure nice while it lasted.

This trip we decided to go to Oklahoma City instead of Norman. We dropped off glass recycling in Norman first and then headed to OKC where we had lunch at Tucker’s Onion Burgers. Yummy! We then did our grocery shopping at Sprouts and Whole Foods. As always, we enjoyed our time together and now we are well-stocked. Here is what I bought, plus my two co-op orders for the month:

We popped in to Half Price Books for a few minutes because it was in the same shopping center as Sprouts. Lisa bought three very old National Geographic magazines (from the 50s – very cool!) and I picked up a few music-related magazines. We looked at the vinyl albums but didn’t buy any. Now I’m wishing I had gone ahead and bought this one:

As a friend pointed out it would have been worth the $4.99 to see the look on people’s faces as they thumb through our record collection and run across this one.

If you post grocery hauls or if you even just read other people’s, leave me a link in the comments. I would love to see them. Yes, I’m weird that way.

One of my very favorite television programs as a young girl was “I Love Lucy”. It still is, actually. I have the first 5 seasons on DVD and the rest on my Amazon wishlist (David, if you’re reading this and looking for a no-occasion surprise for me one of these days, that’s a hint). For some reason, I’ve always had a fondness for the 50s. The clothes, the home decor, and even the life of the typical housewife hold a certain fascination for me.

A few months after we married we bought an older house in our small town and I had the time of my life “playing house” for real. The house needed a lot of work and the kitchen was tiny but I didn’t care. I was in college at the time but whenever I wasn’t at school or studying I was taking care of my husband and my little house. And I loved it.

I recall a certain dress I had which reminded me a little of something Lucy would have worn. I can remember wearing that dress to do my shopping and run errands. I also had inherited a few of my grandmother’s aprons which I proudly wore at home while cooking or cleaning house.

Several years, two children, and a nursing degree later, we bought another older house. This one was in nearly perfect shape while still retaining all its original charm. I couldn’t have loved a house any more than I did that one. When we first looked at it I remember thinking that the kitchen would have to be redone but at least it was large. Fortunately our real estate agent encouraged us to consider keeping the original metal cabinets. I am so glad we listened (and that we didn’t have the money for a complete overhaul anyway!). Some new wallpaper and accessories transformed it into what I referred to as my Betty Crocker kitchen:

When we moved to our current house (16 years ago today!) my greatest disappointment was the kitchen. Leaving behind that adorable vintage kitchen for a design disaster straight out of the early 80s – dropped fluorescent ceiling and all – was a little hard to take. But David promised we could remodel it. We did take the vintage stove from the other house. We replaced it with a new stove and I’m sad to say that the new owners ripped out those wonderful cabinets and replaced them with something from Home Depot. It still makes me sick to think about it.

I spent countless hours designing my new kitchen which you can see part of in the photo at the top of this post. I’ve posted other pictures here before which show the eating area and baking center. I couldn’t be happier with the way it turned out and I feel like a 50s housewife when I’m cooking in there.

The other day I was reading a post on the blog, Apron Revolution, and saw this video about a “new” kitchen in the 50s. I thought it was quite interesting so I’m sharing it with you:

And then I found this:

See? I’m not the only one enamored with the lifestyle of a previous era. Actually, I already knew that. After all, my own daughter’s blog is called Retro Housewife Goes Green. Apparently the vintage apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.

Here’s a little clip from an I Love Lucy episode which shows their kitchen:

I suppose when it comes to my interest in the life of the 50s housewife you can blame it on Lucy.

Christmas is one of winter’s few redeeming qualities. I truly dislike being cold and I miss long, sunny days but Christmas is a true bright spot. I love to decorate (which I need to finish today!), listen to Christmas music, enjoy special times with family and friends, and watch Christmas movies.

Scarves or Beanies?

Scarves. Definitely. I don’t own a beanie but my scarf collection is pretty impressive.

Favorite holiday movie?

“It’s a Wonderful Life” is my all-time favorite but I also love “Miracle on 34th Street”, “Charlie Brown Christmas” and “A Christmas Story”.

Favorite winter nail polish?

I generally just wear clear polish on my fingernails (I can’t stand the looks of chipped polish which happens way too soon). I wear colored polish on my toenails but don’t have any special winter color.

Favorite Starbucks Holiday Drink?

We don’t have a Starbucks here and when I do occasionally go to one when out of town I’m most likely to get tea. I’m not a huge fan of their coffee.

We did last year and have a few times over the years. I prefer the years when it’s unseasonably warm.

Favorite winter candle scent?

I don’t use candles with much scent because of my asthma. I recently bought some nice beeswax candles, though.

How will you be celebrating this holiday?

We will go to my cousin’s at noon on Christmas Eve day for the big family gathering. That evening we will attend our church candlelight Christmas Eve service. I sing in the choir and it’s one of my favorite parts of Christmas. Christmas morning our kids will be at our house for waffles and mimosas, then we’ll open gifts. Chris and Kadi will then go to see some of her family, while Lisa and Justin will be with his parents. I fully expect David and I will then fall asleep watching a Christmas movie.

Now it’s your turn. If you do this on your blog, leave me a link in the comments. Otherwise feel free to answer the questions in the comments.

Yesterday my daughter Lisa and I went on our monthly grocery shopping trip to Norman. It’s always so nice to get to spend an entire day together. She’s smart, funny, interesting, kind and passionate. I’m thankful for her and our relationship. Love you, Lisa!

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Welcome to Life With Dee!
I'm a Francophile with a hippie heart, trying to create a beautiful life in the country while dreaming of Paris. Join me as I share inspiration to help you create your own "beautiful life".